Responsible Development of the San Leandro Marina

By Stephen H. Cassidy

Stephen Cassidy is the only candidate for mayor who has called for any development plan for the Marina to be reviewed by the voters before the City Council makes its decision.

I support development of the Marina in a responsible and fiscally sustainable manner which would balance its recreational uses with the need to support and expand existing restaurants and businesses, taking into account the views of all San Leandrans, including those living closest to the Marina. Broader options and additional funding opportunities should be explored for continuing harbor operations.

To ensure the views of all members of the community are taken into account in formulating the Marina development plan, I propose:

• The Shoreline Citizens Advisory Committee should be expanded to include additional residents of Mulford Gardens and the neighborhoods surrounding the Marina.

• All meetings of the Shoreline Committee should video recorded and available for viewing on the city website.

• The development plan should reviewed by the community in a series of forums and town halls. The development plan should then be modified as appropriate in accordance with the community's input.

• Because of the importance of the Marina to the people of San Leandro, the final development plan should be placed on an election ballot in 2012 for an advisory vote by the community prior to any vote by the City Council on the plan.